Event

Rancho Nipomo -- Dana Adobe

Discover South County history by immersing yourself in the stories of Rancho Nipomo through "Bridging the Past to the Future." You will learn why this area of the state was so important during the California Rancho and Gold Rush periods through a discussion about the significance of the Rancho Nipomo and the Dana family. You will discover why this adobe became the center for commerce, communications, and hospitality for all of early California.

Built in 1839, the adobe was abandoned during the Depression and all but forgotten until the Dana Adobe Nipomo Amigos (DANA) began to save it bit by bit. Volunteer restorer Len Hoskins will share the 13 year old Dana Adobe restoration story that breathed new life into the historic home. Because he worked on much of the adobe, he will be really able to point out how and where the work was done. This course will include a tour of the home and a peek into the future Rancho Nipomo Heritage Park, one of the most promising park developments in South County. The class will be held at the Adobe.

If you would like, It would be helpful for you to purchase and read The Blonde Ranchero , a memoir of one son that covers the mid-19th century period at Rancho Nipomo. The book is available at the Rancho.

Since 2005, Len Hoskins has worked with a small group known as the "Wednesday Volunteers" who come every week to help with a variety of tasks that are necessary to keep the building and grounds in the best possible shape. Many of these tasks are mundane chores, but their skills are also used for restoration of the building itself and a variety of tasks including; earthquake retrofitting, removing concrete plaster, restoring and rebuilding adobe walls, and demolition of historically incorrect infrastructure. Len has commented many times about the personal satisfaction he has experienced by working at the Dana. Helping save this treasure for future generations is truly a joy. Len also serves on the Restoration committee.

Helen Daurio has been involved as a docent and DANA Board member since 2005. She shares the passion for preserving this very important piece of history with all DANA volunteers. Helen is a retired high school and is thrilled to continue her involvement with young people and education.

If you are a member of LLCC and have a password, be sure to click on "Enter a Password or a Discount Code" to see the member price. Type in the password and click "show available tickets" to see the member price before you select the quantity of tickets.

Please purchase a separate ticket for each person so that we can have a record of all attendees.

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If you would like to have the password for the member price for this course, go to www.lifelearnerscc.org for information on how you can become a member